228 



INSECTS AFFECTING TRUCK CROPS 



The Garden Flea-beetle. These small, shiny, black beetles 

 (Epitrix sp.) are frequently seen upon potato vines and are hard 

 to control. They attack not only potatoes but also tomatoes, 

 egg-plants, beans, peas, clover, etc. Injury appears first as white 

 spots on the upper sides of the leaves. 



Control. Plants thoroughly sprayed with arsenicals are appar- 

 ently not injured as much as untreated plants, although this 

 beetle is quite resistant to poisons. Air-slaked lime dusted on 



FIG. 237. External view of potato, FIG. 238. Details of work of potato- 



showing work of potato-tuber moth. (After tuber moth: a, section of tuber, showing eye 

 Chittenden, U. S. Bu. Ent.) and eggs deposited about it; 6, egg in out- 



line; c, side view of egg; d, f, vines of larvze 

 in potato; a, natural size; b, c, greatly en- 

 larged; d, somewhat reduced. (After Ililey 

 and Howard.) 



infested plants we find to be quite effective. This flea-beetle 

 hides on the under sides of the leaves, and one can knock many 

 of them off into a pan in which there is a little kerosene by striking 

 the plants with a brush or paddle. Bordeaux mixture is a good 

 repellent. The plants should be sprayed with this when a few 

 inches high. 



The Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimcea opercuklla Zell). The 

 adult is a grayish moth with a spread of wing of about one-half 



